The Colorado School of Mines track & field teams are hoping to strike gold in Pueblo over Memorial Day weekend as they compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships.
CSU-Pueblo is hosting the meet May 25-27 at the ThunderBowl.
The Orediggers, who train at approximately 5,800 feet above sea level, will have an advantage over most athletes, considering the ThunderBowl is about 4,700 feet above sea level.
The Mines men’s team has qualified 13 athletes across 17 events, including powerhouse distance-runner Dillon Powell. The redshirt junior is looking for a proverbial Triple Crown, as he’s already won a cross-country national title and an indoor track title this school year.
Meanwhile, the Mines women’s team has 11 athletes competing 13 events. Senior Hannah Miller, who won the women’s indoor pole vault title this spring, is hoping to take the outdoor title as well.
Overall, the 10,000-meter race is the Orediggers’ biggest event, with six men and four women slated. For the men’s team, four of the six will also run in the 5,000-meter event, including Powell.
Three Mines pole vaulters also qualified for Pueblo. Miller and junior Avery Herbold will vault for the women’s team, while junior Hunter Potrykus will represent the men’s.
For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit MinesAthletics.com.
